Emmerald Evans is graduate from California State University, Sacramento obtaining a B.S. in Criminal Justice. Emmerald found her passion in child welfare and mental health advocacy to create change in a system she once endured. She envisions a world where youth who experience the child welfare system and mental health services are given equitable resources to assure they are equipped to be successful in life. Emmerald played a key role, partnering with other youth, in co-founding the Youth Advisory Board (YAB) for Seneca Family of Agencies. YAB later expanded throughout California, impacting many youth and service providers. Emmerald also worked as a youth advocate with John Burton Advocates for Youth (JBAY), where she led policy bills focused on housing, education and economics, provided expertise to multiple media outlets and was a keynote speaker at their annual fundraising Gala. Through her various roles, Emmerald developed a diverse skill set that includes advocacy, leadership, training, public speaking, case management, research, and program development. These skills have undoubtedly been instrumental in her efforts to create meaningful change for young individuals who have experienced challenges within the child welfare and mental health systems.